Voice and Stroboscopic Analysis of Sulcus Vocalis

Nam, Soon Yuhl; Han, Kyung Yuhl

Abstract

OBJECTIVES
We aimed to describe objectively the voice features of sulcus vocalis, thereby setting up some useful guidelines for its treatment.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
The voices of thirty-seven sulcus vocalis pateints were analyzed.
RESULTS
In the acoustic analysis, the fundamental frequency, jitter, and shimmer were significantly increased. Noise to harmonic ratio was also increased although it was not statistically significant. In the aerodynamic study, we found that maximal phonation time was decreased, whereas the mean air flow rate and subglottic pressure were increased. The glottic insuffiency on phonation, small vibratory mucosal wave and amplitude were frequently observed by videostroboscopy.
CONCLUSION
The bowing of vocal fold edge results in an incomplete glottic closure during vibratory cycles. The increase in stiffness of the vocal fold edge during phonation results in small mucosal wave and small vibratory amplitude. Glottic insufficiency and stiffness of vibratory movement contribute to dysphonia of sulcus vocalis.